How to Prepare Lavender for Mild Winters

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a member of the mint family. Many varieties of lavender exist and they are usually considered annual plants that last only one growing season. However, in locations that experience mild winters, it is possible to provide enough protection from the elements so that lavender can survive year after year. You can begin to plan for lavender to survive in your garden by planting hardy varieties such as Hidcote and Munstead. Plant them in full sun in an area with southern exposure. The soil should have good drainage as well, such as on a slope.

Mulch
Plant blanket

Instructions

- 1
  Water the lavender consistently throughout its growing season. Keep the soil moist but not soggy with regular waterings. This encourages healthy plants that are better able to survive colder temperatures.
- 2
  Delay pruning or cutting back your lavender until winter is over. Lavender grows like a shrub where new growth sprouts from existing stems. Cut it back only in the spring after new growth appears. Cut it back heavily in the spring to remove the woody, dead stems.
- 3
  Avoid fertilizing lavender before winter unless the soil is extremely poor. Lavender generally does not need high levels of nutrients in its soil.
- 4
  Cover small lavender plants and the area around them with a thick layer of mulch before the first frost. Mulch the soil and spread a plant blanket over taller plants. The mulch should be at least 2 or 3 inches thick. Remove the mulch and plant blanket in the spring after all danger of frost has passed.

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